Press Releases

VIDEO: Wilson Proposes Private Members Bill to Help Veterans Get Jobs with Ontario Government

(May 6, 2015) "The Government of Ontario has a role to play in helping members of the Canadian Forces find employment," stated Jim Wilson, PC Interim Leader, as he announced he will be tabling a private members bill to add a provision to the Ontario Public Service Act to give priority to certain current and past members of the Canadian Forces and assist them in finding a job in the Government of Ontario.

"The members of our Canadian Forces make a commitment to our country that is virtually unparalleled...When they are ready to leave the Forces...they often don't have the easiest time finding new employment. I believe it is important for us to support these veterans as they move from military service", said Wilson. "One of the ways we can support them is to help them find jobs."

Wilson noted that the Province of New Brunswick and the House of Commons in Ottawa have recently passed similar legislation that provides for priority hiring of veterans in their public services, and the federal government provided similar support for veterans of the two World Wars, as well as the Korean War.

"There are a large number of veterans who are in the prime years of their working lives. The average age at release is 37. They are looking for a job and I believe it is important that we do what we can to assist them...I hope that my colleagues will see fit to pass [the bill] quickly," stated Wilson. "And I also hope this might give a positive push to the private sector to give veterans a higher priority when they are hiring new staff.

"I have CFB Borden, one of the largest training bases in Canada, in my riding and from both the serving men and women to the young veterans I have living in my riding, this legislation would give them an opportunity. A hand up, not a hand out," said Wilson.